Season 12 Ep1 Recap – So good to be home!

BY: Rach Kayrooz for GOOD.

Unchartered Territory

After the season 11 finale cliffhanger, we rejoin our friends in season 12, to find out Jack isn’t on his way back from Australia, but that something special was discovered.

Old Cranky Pants (Superintendent Hargreaves) sternly shares that a road crew found Jack’s Commissioner’s Medal. Elizabeth feels this is a sign Jack is watching over them.

And though Bill is very pleased that finally Elizabeth and Nathan are an item, Old Cranky Pants takes a stab at Nathan to remind him that Jack is “not one so easily replaced.” Cue the psychological warfare on Nathan feeling he’s living in Jack’s shadow.

This is followed by the news of a recruit coming to Hope Valley, for Nathan to “turn into a Mountie” with his Mountie wand.

Little Jack is showing signs of joining the baseball premier league, just days before he begins school – with his mum as the teacher! He learns about valour and reflection, putting his dad’s medal upon the photo of his late father (cue the tears!)

Angela, Emily, and Timmy will be graduating this year, so they’re saving up to book a hotel for Schoolies.

Mike and Mei are away on their honeymoon, while Lucas and Lee begin plans to create a National Park.  Rosemary is firm that Lee is not leaving HV for Capital City, despite Lucas’ persistence to have Lee join him.  She is of the opinion that Lucas needs to learn how to use Zoom.

Meanwhile, little Goldie finally has a wardrobe full of clothes, and will soon be running down the main street with Rosie chasing behind.

There’s a new comic book at The Mercantile, with the boys at school eager to get their copy.  Florence, having not even seen the literature, is concerned about the content, and begins circulating a ‘ban the books’ petition.  Ned is busy counting nickels and ordering the next batch of Marvel comics.

A new, young visitor to HV has his own opinion, challenging Allie.

Lucas is keen to have Lee as the face of the National Park, though Yogi Bear may not be too happy.  Lee is adamant he does not want to be away from Goldie…oh, and Rosemary.  Mrs Coulter puts her foot down, crushing Lucas’ hopes.

Angela is keen to go to Hamilton (or be in Hamilton).  She doesn’t want to miss the college application cut-off date, and her parents are anxious about her leaving home.  She wonders if she can bring her laundry home on weekends.

Elizabeth chats with Allie, relaying she is happy for their relationship to be whatever Allie needs, and will always be there to listen and offer support. Allie expresses how glad she is that her dad and teacher are finally together.

Lee is feeling torn between his family, the paper, and his desire to build the park. Rosie becomes the first female news anchor, establishing The Valley Voice Radio Hour, much like Entertainment Tonight.  Lee breaks the news that he will need to work FIFO, and Lucas tries to seal the deal with a Macy’s store card for Rosie.  Better still, the park will be named after Goldie. Rosie is speechless!

The stranger at The Mercantile turns out to be young Cadet, Oliver Garrett. His first lesson?  To knock before he enters.  And to bring coffee.

It’s little Jack’s first day of school, armed with his new Bluey lunchbox and drink bottle. He is being very brave, like his dad, so Elizabeth puts Jack’s medal on his son to wear to school.  Soon he encounters Lily, and the two overcome their anxiety about ‘big school’ together. Jack shares his dad’s medal with Lily, to help her feel confident.

Bill is impressed with Oliver, who is on his third serving of meatloaf and mash at Minnie’s, but something about the young Cadet doesn’t add up for Nathan.  Maybe it’s the teen lingo?

Joseph wonders how Henry will cope after Lucas leaves and gets beaten at chess.  He makes plans to tend to his crops, and buy some gnomes.

Little Jack asks Nathan if he knew Jack, and they discuss feelings like boys and men should.   He calls Nathan a hero and they build precious moments together as they saddle up Pal.

Allie meets Oliver properly at the station, and we can see love is in the air for these two!

Rosie and Goldie farewell Lee and Lucas as they depart for Capital City, making plans for dinner with Elizabeth and little Jack.

Lucas and Lee are soon travelling on the Orient Express to Capital City, joined by a surprise visitor in Edwin, who shows up with the intent of getting his job back. Or derailing season 12.  Lee is not convinced having Edwin on board is the best option.

Nathan drops by to see Elizabeth after sundown, with a gift for little Jack – a handmade box to house Jack’s medal. He is reminded how much little Jack and Elizabeth adore him.

The two lovebirds stand together on the porch in close embrace, lit by the full moon; Nathan in his barber-shop quartet striped shirt, Elizabeth in her full skirt…and you can almost see the fireworks!  Hope Valley is roaring with romance into season 12!

Memorable Quotes:

Elizabeth: “While time may not wait, at the moment, it feels suspended. I have to remind myself that life is uncertain, but that the darkest of times can be followed by light.”

Rosemary: “When a couple is in love, the whole world smiles!”

Watch When Calls the Heart season 12 on Friday nights at 7:30pm AEST on GOOD. or stream from the free GOOD app. Watch this episode now. CLICK HERE.

About the Author: Rach is an AACTA Award-winning writer, director, producer, and tv/film content creator, with a background in human rights advocacy.  A mum, music manager, animal lover, and fan of 80s power ballads, she spends her ‘spare’ time cooking allergy-friendly food, and adding to her dream list of places to travel.  An advocate for disability, and an award-winning speaker, Rach is currently working on post-production of her reality TV show Facing the Fear, and pre-production for her documentary, FND: Not My Story.

Socials: @rachkayrooz

Feature Image: When Calls the Heart promotional content from GOOD.